Welfare revolution rolls out to families: Universal Credit to be in a third of Jobcentres by spring

25 Nov 2014 01:20 PM

By spring 2015, 1 in 3 of the country’s Jobcentres will be taking claims for Universal Credit.

The accelerated roll out of the government’s flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, means that by spring 2015, 1 in 3 of the country’s Jobcentres will be taking claims for the new benefit.

As part of the government’s long-term economic plan, Universal Credit merges 6 benefits in to 1 and simplifies the system so the claimants can see they will always be better off in work and off benefits.

From this week (24 November 2014), Universal Credit is being opened up to families – couples with children and lone parents – following the successful roll out to individuals and couples.

Support worth up to 70% of childcare costs will be available regardless of hours worked – in addition to the money they get to help with the costs of bringing up a child. This means that for the first time, parents will receive support for childcare costs under Universal Credit, no matter how many hours they work – giving them more flexibility to work and earn more money.

And because of an extra £400 million the government is investing in childcare, by 2016 this will be increased to 85%, with a monthly limit of £646 for 1 child and £1,108 for 2 or more children.

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